It`s Best To Nip Brown Scale In Bud

QClose inspection of my spider plant reveals dark brown spots about an eighth of an inch long protruding from many leaf and stem surfaces. What are these irregular-looking growths?

ALook at one of these through a magnifying glass and you will see mature brown scale; with magnification you will also be able to detect the pale or colorless juveniles.

If you ignore scale on spider or any other plant for that matter it will simply multiply to the detriment if not extinction of the host. There is every likelihood the infestation will spread.

Some gardeners will spray as a means of destroying brown scale. Almost any pesticide labeled for use on house plants, and specifically against scale insects, will do the job. Plant-derived pyrethrin is often the active ingredient in such preparations, House and Garden Raid for instance.

Another possibility is to dip the entire spider plant, right down to the base where it disappears into the soil, in a solution of warm, soapy water. Here some gardeners will use Safer`s Insecticidal Soap, Dr. Bronner`s Peppermint Soap or Cedo-Flora. Others will mix water and Ivory Liquid, at the rate of one quart to one teaspoon, and use this as the dip.

In any event, wear rubber gloves when you are applying a pesticide, even if it is ``only soap and water.`` It is most unfortunate when we accidentally spray an exposed part of the body with any potential toxin; in the thick of planting activities the skin of a perspiring gardener becomes extra vulnerable.

My own approach if I found scale on a thrifty spider plant would be first to remove by hand as many of the insects as can be detected. I might use soft paper toweling or facial tissue to crush and remove some, a cotton swab dipped in denatured alcohol to get at those in crevices.

Second I would wash the spider plant as clean as possible using a gentle stream of warm water. In case the attack had been severe I would dip several times in soapy water, allow to drain and dry before returning to the usual perch.

Third in my program for restoring a debugged spider plant to radiant health would be to repeat step two, especially dipping in soapy water, at frequent intervals: In the beginning every five days; when you are fairly certain there are no more insects, once a month.